wauhob3

The Circle Line boat trip is a good thing to do on your pass too. It's good for $10 off in the gift store all day or in Planet Hollywood for lunch or early dinner and I vaguely remember free kids meals but you'd need to check that.

rd1

Thanks!

lp_nyc

Tickets for Tarzan shouldn't be an issue. It didn't get good reviews, so you should be able to find tickets at TKTs. Talk Radio just opened, so I doubt there will be discount tickets.

Your boys will also get a kick out of the Toys'R Us in Times Square (ferris wheel inside that they can ride) if you and your wife can handle another giant toy store.

For your first day wandering around midtown- on 51st Street, at Rock Center, you might want to visit The FireZone. It's and educational museum, Your boys will get to sit in a NYC fire truck. There is an interactive portion, where you learn about fire safety. It might be a bit much for your 4 year old, but the 8 year old will be fine. Just ask the staff what they think.


Not far from FAO Schwartz and tanking your kids up on candy at Dylan's Candy Bar-

sonywondertechlab.com


Other fun kid things to do in Central Park-
the Carousel
Belvedere Castle and Turtle Pond
Marionette Theater
http://www.centralparknyc.org/virtua...swedishcottage

Your boys would probably enjoy the South Street Seaport- to look at the big ships. You can easily combine the Seaport with Wall Street for ambling around. Definitely take them to see the huge flag on the front of the stock exchange and you will also see the courthouse where Washington was sworn in. There are lots of restaurants in the Seaport for you to choose from.

On Columbus Ave, just north of the Natural History Museum is this great little store called "Maxilla and Mandible" that your boys are sure to enjoy. It's small, lots of skeletons and bugs and stuff...

www.maxillaandmandible.com

There is a Pizzaeria Uno at the corner of 79th and Columbus. Not something you go out of the way for in NYC, but definitely kid friendly.

Kid/family friendy for a theater:
Carmine's
John's Pizzeria

some more spa recs for your wife:

Oasis Day Spa- my personal favorite, they have two locations, one at the Affinia Dumont and another on Park Ave near 33rd. They used to have a location on 16th street, but it has since closed.

Bliss - also excellent with multiple locations. I find that they can get a little heavy handed with the upselling.

I've never been to Soho Sanctuary, but it has a good reputation.

Have fun enjoying our great city!

rd1

Thanks lp_nyc I will buy my ticket to talk radio ahead of time and go to TKTS to get the tickets for me and my four year old for Tarzan since I already got the ones for my wife and older son.
I know the boys will LOVE maxilla and mandible. When I get home tonight I am going to show the boys the webpages, they are really looking forward to the trip
Thanks again!

lp_nyc

My pleasure!

I always have a blast taking my nieces and nephews around in the city. It's fun seeing it from a kid's view, especially when I have to deal with it daily as an adult.

Also note, there are several playgrounds in Central Park where they can climb and jump and interact with other kids.

And if the weather is nice enough, for your day in Central Park, go to Fairway at 74th and Bway or Zabar's at 80th and Bway and grab food for a picnic lunch!

familytravelforum

The Circle LIne Tour has several options, and one goes all the way around Manhattan and the other half way around. IT's a great respite from the fast paced city touring.

Your youngest might really like a perfromance at the marionette theater in Central park while your older one takes a bike tour of the park if the weather permits and you're willing to split up.

Check out familytravelforum.com for other NY suggestions - it's full of many excellent ideas and tips. I agree that it's better to start the pass the first full day. As far as the museums go, do your research online at home to figure out where you want to go most and then concentrate. They can be a bit overwhelming if you don't have a plan.

Madame Tussauds is always a bit hit with the kids. Times Square has tons to do now for families, so when you go to Madame Tussauds you should also check out the other attractions, such as the Mars 2112 theme restaurant that taked you to your seat in a spaceship!

rd1

Thanks I know the kids will love central park. Do the boat tours leave near battery park ?

lp_nyc

Which boat tours are you referring to? The Circle Line (which is a 'tourist' boat) leaves from 42nd street and 12th ave. There are limited tours this time of year, so check their website for times and lengths and varying costs.

http://www.circleline42.com/

The Staten Island Ferry, which is a commuter boat, does leave from Battery Park. It will go to Staten Island and back, giving you a good view of the NYC harbor. I think the Ferry is still free at this time. Their website says the trip takes 25 minutes, I think that is one way.

lizziea06

The Staten Island Ferry is still free, however, it doesn't leave from Battery Park. It leaves from Whitehall Station, which is closer to the financial district.

Calamari

Dylans candybar is a waste of time and money. It was like paying top top dollar for a tiny scoop of Dryers icecream. The candy bar was not even as nice as a Sweet Factory. We went there when we learned that the wait at Serendipity was over an hour. Serendipity apparently takes reservations and looks like a whole lot of fun.

Nuut

Some tips with your boys (mine are 4 and 6). Get the audio tours in the museums. It kept them entertained for hours. They loved pressing the buttons and it slowed them down enough that we could look at the exhibits. And I think they actually learnt something.